Green Lantern Corps #42Review

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The Black Lanterns assault Oa's Central Power Battery.

By Jesse Schedeen

I don't think anyone could accuse Blackest Night of not having a significant impact on the Green Lantern books. This is what Geoff Johns and Pete Tomasi have been building to for years, after all. But despite the myriad of Black Lantern resurrections and character deaths, never has the storyline hit me right in the gut like Green Lantern Corps #42. This issue is one of the most epic and action-packed of any Blackest Night entry, main series or tie-in. And make no mistake - it leaves a significant impact on the Green Lanterns even by recent standards.

We know by now that all the Lantern home worlds are under siege by the Black Lanterns. But for the most part, we haven't been seeing those battle firsthand except in the pages of GLC. The bulk of the entire Corps have now gathered on Oa in a failing effort to repel the Black Lanterns. And even with the timely arrival of Munk of the Indigo Lanterns, defeat seems inevitable. GLC is certainly succeeding in making The Sinestro Corps War look like a minor skirmish. Patrick Gleason throws dozens upon dozens of characters into his spreads, truly reminding readers that this is a planet-wide battle. As always, Gleason demonstrates why he is unparalleled in terms of visual choreography. Comics only suggest motion through their sequential panels, but Gleason always seems able to take the illusion several steps farther. After four issues, Blackest Night is still seeing him at his storytelling best.

GLC is also refreshing because it's moved away from the played out Black Lantern reveals that dominate so many tie-ins. Unless someone chooses to introduce Black Lantern Prez, at this point I simply don't care anymore. Tomasi wisely assumes most readers feel the same way, so he concentrates on the spectacle and carnage of the battle. The battle becomes more interesting as several new players enter the fray and help level the playing field a bit. One scene in particular reminded me of the "Hulk drop" in The Ultimates, only even more satisfying and bloody. This issue won't leave you any chance of being bored, that's for sure.

But that doesn't imply Tomasi forgets to work in some key character moments as well. Tomasi continues some solid work with Kilowog, who shows a rarely-glimpsed vulnerable side. Tomasi also continues to make me both love and hate the Alpha Lanterns. Amid all the chaos, it's telling that the Guardians continue to be their own worst enemies. But the true highlight involves a much-loved character who takes charge and attempts to strike a mighty blow against the Black Lanterns. Whether they actually succeed you'll have to see for yourself. The important thing is that, by the end of this issue, Blackest Night will have become that much more engrossing and memorable. I'm sure many readers are already firing up their computers and venting various emotions across the Internet. But don't let the upset cries fool you. Green Lantern Corps #42 is easily one of the best chapters of Blackest Night yet, if not the best. And I'd like to think that things will only get bleaker and thereby more engrossing from here.